By Sarah Tunney & Elliott Josypenko
October 7 2004

Unfortuantly I couldnt make the game but have recieved texts off Mick (or should that be Mr Steward now!). A full match report will appear here soon

This match kicked off at 7:15 despite the 7:30 billed start, which meant that I missed the opening 10 minutes. However just as I arrived the Bees scored a try down the far end. I was unable to see the try but it was a push-over and the announcer announced that it was captain Rob Sigley who got the final touch down.

Bees managed to go in a halftime 5-3 up despite having Martin O'Keefe binned for scrapping (by himself?)

To be honest Bees were quite lucky to go in ahead because the students could have scored a number of tries if it weren't for some poor handling. The Bees tackling was also very rusty and they let quite a few people through. In the first half the Bees actually played alright and the side put out was quite respectable especially in the forwards where first team regulars such as Horse and Rob Merritt played.

In the second half however it all went a bit to pot. Bees were very scrappy and played quite like schoolboys. The handling was shocking, with thousands of passes going to ground. It was actually bordering on dangerous at times, the distribution in the backs leaving a lot of hospital passes on. Tom Richardson was one of the main culprits and Woody (returning from injury) got a few hits whilst trying to pick up the ball. The ball was also knocked on loads especially going into tackles. It seemed to lack co-ordination from many people as if they hadn't played with each others (which possibly is true).

I was quite sorry for Luke Smith stuck out on the wing. As much as I want him to succeed and believe he will, it was blatantly obvious that he was not really up to the standard although it seemed to be mostly nerves. Towards the end the Blues were actually targeting him as a weak link and scored a lot of points through kicking high balls at him. Perhaps he could have done with Backo encouraging him.

Bees scored a few late tries through Aaron Takarangi in the corner, and the Duncan White who boshed through after picking up at the scrum, but it was a very poor performance from the Bees.

 

I'd also like to make a point about these midweek games. I think that they are wonderful. Floodlit rugby is great to watch although photography is very difficult. If you have the time definitely come and watch one of these games. Well done to Rob Sigley for coming up with this idea. Can we invite the students back to Pertemps Land next year?